Supervisors Praise Chaplaincy for Work With Veterans; Prepare for Second Annual Stand Down to Assist Veterans

August 24, 2012

Placer County, which is planning a second annual Stand Down event for its veterans, presented a resolution on Tuesday, to the Placer County Chaplaincy for its efforts supporting the first Stand Down.

Supervisor Jack Duran (left) presents a resolution to Chaplain Terry Morgan for his efforts on the first annual Stand Down event.

Stand Down is a term borrowed from the military. During wartime, Stand Downs allow exhausted combat units that require time to rest and recover, to be removed from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail services and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment.

Today, Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation's active duty military members, veterans, including an estimated 107,000 homeless veterans, deal with life. In the military, Stand Down gives battle-weary soldiers an opportunity to renew their spirit, health and sense of well-being. Today's Stand Down gives the same opportunity to active duty, veterans and their family members.

The annual Placer County Veteran Stand Down, sponsored by Gold Country Chaplaincy, is being held on Sept.18, through 20, 2012, at the Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All American City Blvd., Roseville.

In presenting the resolution to the Chaplaincy, First District Supervisor Jack Duran, whose mother and father are veterans of the Air Force and Navy, praised the organization.

“We’re always very thankful that you’ve taken the time to organize the Stand Down in our County,” said Duran, who went on to read from the resolution, “While the primary focus is on helping homeless Veterans get services, the program is available to all Veterans and their families who need access to some type of service to help them with their daily needs.”

The 2011 Stand Down assisted 241 Veterans, a large number of who were homeless, reported Chaplain Terry Morgan, who received the resolution from Supervisor Duran.

“We know that we’re not going to help everybody,” said Morgan. “But to those few that we can, we will give them the help they need.”